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The back muscles are organised into three main groups that run from the neck, down the spine, and end just above the hips. These muscles support the torso, enable movement, and aid in breathing. The erector spinae, a group of muscles that lie on either side of the vertebral column, are responsible for extending the spine. They are divided into three sections: spinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis. The longissimus muscles, in particular, are the longest and thickest of the erector spinae, and they help extend and laterally flex the spine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Superficial Back Muscles | Trapezius, Latissimus Dorsi, Levator Scapulae, Rhomboid Major |
| Deep Back Muscles | Semispinalis, Multifidus, Rotatores |
| Core Muscles | Pelvic Floor, Abdominal Wall, Back, Diaphragm |
| Function of Spinalis Muscles | Extend and laterally flex the cervical and thoracic regions of the spine |
| Function of Longissimus Muscles | Extend and laterally flex (ipsilateral) the spine |
| Function of Erector Spinae | Bilateral contraction extends the spine; unilateral contraction causes lateral flexion (ipsilateral) |
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Erector spinae muscles
The erector spinae muscles are a group of muscles that run alongside the vertebral column, from the base of the skull to the pelvis. They are one of the core muscles that stabilise and control the pressure inside the trunk. They are also paraspinal muscles, meaning they are located alongside the vertebral column. The erector spinae muscles are divided into three groups, from medial to lateral: spinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis.
The spinalis muscles are the most medial erector spinae muscles and are divided into three regional groups, from superior to inferior: spinalis capitis, spinalis colli, and spinalis thoracis. The function of the spinalis muscles is to extend and laterally flex the cervical and thoracic regions of the spine. They receive blood supply from the vertebral, deep cervical, occipital, intercostal, and lumbar arteries.
The longissimus muscles are the central and the thickest and longest erector spinae muscles. They are divided into three regional groups, from superior to inferior: longissimus capitis, longissimus colli, and longissimus thoracis. The function of the longissimus muscles is to extend and laterally flex the spine and rotate the head ipsilaterally. They have the same innervation as the spinalis muscles and receive arterial blood from the same sources.
The iliocostalis muscles are the most lateral erector spinae muscles and are also divided into three groups, from superior to inferior: iliocostalis colli, iliocostalis lumborum, and iliocostalis thoracis. The iliocostalis muscles attach to the ribs, and their tightness can affect the position of the rib cage and hips.
The erector spinae muscles play an important role in spinal stability and low back pain (LBP). In healthy individuals without low back pain, the erector spinae muscles relax in a range from an upright position to full lumbar flexion, due to the deep back muscles stabilising the lumbar spine. However, in individuals with low back pain, the erector spinae flexion-relaxation phenomenon is absent, and there is decreased activity and atrophy of the multifidus muscle, compromising spinal stability. Lumbar stabilisation exercises can help restore the erector spinae flexion-relaxation phenomenon and decrease low back pain.
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Multifidus muscle
The multifidus muscle is a group of short, triangular muscles that are part of the transversospinal group of deep back muscles. They are the thickest muscles in this group and are found on either side of the vertebral column, extending from the cervical to the lumbar spine. The multifidus muscle is divided into three regions: cervical multifidus, thoracic multifidus, and lumbar multifidus.
Each multifidus muscle bridges over three to six vertebral levels, connecting the transverse and spinous processes of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae. While the multifidus muscle is very thin, it plays a crucial role in stabilising the joints within the spine. It spans three joint segments and works to stabilise these joints at each level, improving the efficiency of each vertebra and reducing joint degeneration caused by friction from normal physical activity.
The multifidus muscle aids several movements of the vertebral column. When contracting bilaterally, the multifidus muscle extends the spine. Unilateral contraction, on the other hand, aids in lateral flexion of the spine to the same side and rotation of the spine to the opposite side.
The multifidus muscle is an important muscle for spinal health and mobility. Dysfunction in the lumbar multifidus muscles, in particular, is strongly associated with low back pain. This dysfunction can persist even after the pain has subsided, leading to high recurrence rates of back pain. Therefore, it is essential to maintain the strength of the multifidus muscle through exercises, stretching, and manual treatments with the help of a physiotherapist.
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Latissimus dorsi
The latissimus dorsi is a large, flat muscle that covers the back and stretches to the sides, behind the arm. It is commonly referred to as the “lats”, especially in bodybuilding circles. The name "latissimus dorsi" comes from Latin and means "broadest of the back". True to its name, the latissimus dorsi is the widest muscle in the human body.
The latissimus dorsi is responsible for several functions, including extension, adduction, transverse extension (also known as horizontal abduction or horizontal extension), flexion from an extended position, and medial internal rotation of the shoulder joint. It also plays a role in the extension and lateral flexion of the lumbar spine. The muscle is attached to the spine and can influence the movement of the scapulae, such as their downward rotation.
The latissimus dorsi is found superficially in the lower two-thirds of the trunk, covering the serratus posterior muscles. It is part of the superficial layer of extrinsic back muscles, which also includes the levator scapulae, trapezius, and rhomboid muscles. The latissimus dorsi is innervated by the sixth, seventh, and eighth cervical nerves through the thoracodorsal nerve, and it receives blood supply from the thoracodorsal artery, as well as the dorsal perforating branches of the posterior intercostal and lumbar arteries.
The latissimus dorsi is closely related to the teres major and pectoralis major muscles, with which it collaborates to perform actions of the upper extremity, including adduction, medial rotation, and extension of the arm at the glenohumeral joint. Together, these muscles also work to depress the arm. The latissimus dorsi is active in moving the trunk anteriorly and superiorly when the upper extremities are fixed overhead, as in climbing or performing a chin-up. Additionally, it is engaged during deep inspiration and forceful respiratory functions such as coughing and sneezing.
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Trapezius
The trapezius muscle, commonly referred to as the 'traps' or 'trap muscles', is a large muscle in the upper back. There are two trapezius muscles, one on either side of the upper back, and they are connected to the skull, spine, ribs, and shoulder bones.
The trapezius muscle is essential for maintaining and adjusting posture, and it helps the neck, shoulders, and arms move. The upper trapezius, in particular, helps the neck rotate and tilt, and it is often involved in neck injuries. The superior or upper segment of the trapezius muscle elevates the shoulder blades, and it works with the levator scapulae muscle to lift and rotate the shoulder. The trapezius also works with the deltoid muscle for arm elevation, stabilising and rotating the scapula to allow a full range of motion.
The trapezius muscle is large and triangular, extending to the width of the shoulders and running from the skull to the middle of the back, ending at the thoracic spine. It has three sections: superior, middle, and inferior. Each section plays a role in specific movements of the neck and shoulders.
Injuries, overuse, stress, and nerve damage are common causes of trapezius muscle pain. Treatment for trapezius pain depends on the cause, but resting the muscle and avoiding painful activities will help it heal. Stretching can also help keep the trapezius muscle flexible and prevent or relieve pain.
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Rhomboid muscles
The rhomboid muscles are a group of deep intrinsic shoulder muscles formed by the rhomboid major and minor. They are located deep to the trapezius and connect the shoulder blades to the spine. These muscles are important for upper limb movement and stability of the shoulder girdle and scapula. They receive innervation from the dorsal scapular nerve and their vascular supply is through the dorsal scapular artery.
The rhomboid minor is a cylindrical muscle that originates at the ligamentum nuchae and C7 and T1 vertebra. It inserts at the medial border of the scapula, near the base of the spine of the scapula. The rhomboid major, on the other hand, is a quadrangular muscle located just below the rhomboid minor. It originates from the spinous processes of the T2-T5 vertebra and inserts on the medial border of the scapula, inferior to the rhomboid minor.
Functionally, the rhomboid muscles work together to retract, elevate and rotate the scapula. They also protract the medial border of the scapula, keeping it in place at the posterior thoracic wall. Additionally, the rhomboids work in conjunction with the levator scapulae to perform these movements. The serratus anterior is the antagonist muscle group to the rhomboids.
The rhomboids are vital for actions such as pulling and play a significant role in throwing and overhead arm movements. They are also involved in forming the shoulder girdle, along with muscles like the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, pectoralis muscles, latissimus dorsi, and serratus anterior. This group of muscles is crucial for the movement and stability of the shoulder.
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Frequently asked questions
The erector spinae muscles extend the spine.
The erector spinae are a group of muscles that lie just deep to the thoracolumbar fascia. They are formed of three muscles with fibres running vertically through the lumbar, thoracic and cervical regions.
The erector spinae muscles help to maintain posture by steadying the spine on the pelvis during walking. They also control the forward flexion of the thorax.
The erector spinae muscles are divided into three groups, from medial to lateral: spinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis.
Lumbar stabilization exercises can strengthen the erector spinae muscles. Core strength training, including deep back muscles, is effective for alleviating chronic low back pain.
